Have you heard of a Polymorphic virus in computers? If not, this guide will teach you all you need to know about it and whether or not a VPN can help protect your device against it.
What is a Polymorphic virus?
In short, a polymorphic virus is malware that spreads through your device, acting as little perpetrators that can sprout up modified versions of itself. Why? This is so that they remain undetected. The thing is, even though there are a couple of versions, it still functions the same throughout its infectious routines. However, the only difference is that with each infection version created, newer encryption codes are added.
Polymorphic viruses are the most dangerous kind, which is what calls for regular virus scans. There are a few different kinds like VOBFUS, URSNIF, VIRLOCK, UPolyX, and BAGLE. You’ll find them mostly attached to malicious websites, spam emails, or other malware. If ever a variation of the different kinds of polymorphic viruses link up, it can, to a great degree, be very harmful to the user.
Many top VPN providers are available that help fight against malware and online threats, but can a VPN help fix the polymorphic virus issue?
What damages can a polymorphic virus create?
If you fall victim to a polymorphic virus, it will stay stagnant to the file it corrupts until and unless you open the file or program up. When that happens, the virus will start infecting other files/programs in your system.
A virus-like this will even go so far as to hack your email address and continue its infectious spread toward the contacts on your list. This is why immediate methods are required so that you can curb the risks. If you require a general idea of what damage a polymorphic virus can cause, take a look at the pointers below:
- It can monitor your keystrokes.
- Spread and attach itself to other networks through your contacts.
- Infectious spam links
- Erodes system files
- It opens a portal for hackers or other malware to take over your device.
- Can hack and log sensitive data like login credentials, bank account details, media account passcodes and more.
Can a VPN help protect you against these larger viruses?
Honestly? No. There’s a lot more a VPN can do to protect you online and shield you from a few threats, but a polymorphic virus isn’t one of them.
For starters, a VPN is security software designed meticulously to protect your web traffic from being detected. It can, to an extent, protect you from malware and easily manageable viruses, but it won’t be able to offer a bigger security protective unit against polymorphic viruses.
A VPN might be built with AES 256-bit encryption, which is of military-grade standards, but it’s not programmed to clear of viruses of the polymorphic kind. Secondly, sometimes a virus cleaner is inbuilt software that doesn’t require access to the internet the way a VPN relies on.
There is another antivirus or antimalware software you can look into that might help. However, if you’re looking for regular day-to-day virus preventative measures, a VPN can help with that. There are simpler threats that you need to be careful of as well. A VPN will help you stay void of websites that are malicious or while using vulnerable public WiFi that come with threats.
What you can do to help prevent polymorphic viruses
Polymorphic viruses are deadly, but there’s still a lot you can do to help slow down the risk. Here’s how:
- Invest in the best antivirus or antimalware software. However, make sure you look up authentic sources. Not every software can work with a powerful virus.
- Update your device and software on a regular. Sometimes old versions of systems and software can cause leaks or vulnerabilities for further infiltrations.
- Always leave your Firewall enables. If you don’t have one, invest in a VPN that offers them.
- Polymorphic viruses make a mark through spam and phishing emails or texts. Never be too quick to respond to them. It can lead to the virus latching itself onto all sensitive files.
- Install and enable click-on-demand plugins for your browser to restrict Java and Flash scripts from functioning on their own.
- Make sure you double-check everything you download onto your device. There are many scams you need to stay clear of.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps most of you understand the vitality of online preventative measures against polymorphic viruses. It might seem like a daunting task, but you can help lower the risks with little steps to improve it.
